Willow Park received a major boost this week, the progressive club receiving the prestigious FAI Club Mark award.
The FAI Club Mark is an award based on best practice in the governance, management and administration of a football club and is proof of the continual development and growth of the club, now in its 50th year.
The club is immensely proud to have formal FAI recognition of our governance and coaching standards.
The attainment of the Club Mark required significant work and the achievement is due in large part to the commitment of Jennifer Madden and Declan Holohan, with the support of the club committee.
Thanks is also afforded to the FAI Regional Development Officer Glen Byrne for presenting Willow Park with the Club Mark and for his advice and support.
Leinster Senior League - Metropolitan Cup
Ayrfield Utd 3 Willow Park 4 (aet )
This was an enthralling game where Willow Park showed great resilience to eventually advance to the next round of this cup competition. Willow started brilliantly and hit the front through Claudio Silva and when Ayrfield equalized, the visitors fired ahead through Neil Macken and Bryan Hughes.
Ayrfield had by far the better of the second half and equalised through two goals to push the game into extra-time. However, just when it seemed like penalties would decided the game’s outcome, up popped Conor Maher to grab a huge winner and keep the cup run going.
This was a major victory that will be of benefit to the team as they prepare for a tough encounter with St Pats CY in DPD Park this Friday night.
Paddy Cotter Cup
Willow Park 3, BBC Utd 2
A brilliant first half performance saw the club’s CCFL team race into a two-goal lead through Paul Allen with even more chances created to extend the scoreline advantage. However, that was all quickly undone at the start of the second half when the visitors levelled, but it was very unclear whether the ball had crossed the line.
BBC Utd equalised with a super goal when they broke down the left wing and squared for the in-rushing forward to neatly finish. Extra time seemed to be looming but Ronan Frawley secured victory when he powerfully headed home Seamie Byrne’s corner.
